Morrow, Murray join forces again

The band is back together.
LaMonte Morrow and Chuck Murray, who for four years worked together at the earlier iteration of LaMonte’s Auto Center, have joined forces again under the business of the same name.
The two are back together through a partnership that sees Murray acquiring shares of Morrow’s business, with the idea in mind he will eventually take over when Morrow retires. 
Murray had been on his own under the Murray Automotive banner for four years, but when his father retired as his bookkeeper the current plan began to evolve.
“He was having some growing pains trying to do it himself,” Morrow said. “He had a very good business. It was getting to be more than one guy could handle.”
Morrow, meanwhile, was tapering down his former shop on Wazi Lane. One day Murray came by his shop while he was struggling with something, and it was then the two decided the two would once again form a partnership.
“That just shows what kind of man he is,” Morrow said. “He decided to help me and we’ve become one. He’s just a good man.”
“We got the band back together, as it were,” Murray said with a smile. “We figured we could be mutually beneficial to one another.”
The partnership was effective as of Jan. 2, and Lamonte’s Auto Center is now open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Between the two there is 60 years of mechanic experience, and they say they will do it all—from tires and oil changes to all kinds of mechanic work.
“Between the two of us we will get people in and out,” Morrow said, adding eventually they will add another mechanic to take Morrow’s place when he retires.
Murray said it was his desire to stay in Custer, saying he loves the community and wants to serve its people.
“Custer has done me well,” he said. “I believe most people have used him or me or both. Most of the community knows who we are already.
“We want to be able to take care of the people, give them quick and efficient service and make sure everything his correct.”
LaMonte’s Auto Center can be reached by calling 605-673-2554 or 605-673-4496.